Gov. Scott's mother, Esther, dies

Gubernatorial candidate Rick Scott, far left, is teased about the time he spends on the phone giving interviews by family members including his wife, Ann, left, his mother Esther, right, and daughter Jordan Kandah, far right, as his campaign bus traveled to Palm City Fla. for a rally on Oct. 26, 2010. Scott kicked off a seven day bus tour of the state to finish his campaign to be the next Florida governor. Greg Kahn/Staff

Esther Scott, the mother for Florida Gov. Rick Scott, has died, the governor said Thursday. She had been hospitalized in Kansas City last month due to an infection.

"My Mom – one of the only constants in my life – has passed away," Scott wrote on his Facebook page at about 5:30 p.m. Thursday. "Ann (Scott's wife) and I are comforted by all the well wishes and prayers. It has been a tough year for our families, but we are in God's hands."

Esther Scott was a prominent figure on the campaign trail when the Naples resident ran for governor in 2010, starring in commercials and joining her son on the campaign trail. Scott left to be with his mother in late October while she was in the ICU.